Volunteering is an action of the mind, being a friend is an action of the heart.

At Compeer in Butler County we match caring volunteers in one-to-one supportive friendships with people who are in mental health recovery. Volunteers provide support, friendship, and mentoring during an individual's recovery. Call your friend for an hour once a week or visit with them in person. You can even video chat or email. Whichever works best for you!

Friendship is fundamental to mental wellness. We support people living with mental health challenges on their journey to greater well-being by offering companionship along the way. We believe that everyone needs a friend. For someone struggling with loneliness and isolation - especially those of us with mental illness - a friend can make all the difference.

A great opportunity for college students and resume building.

We also help Veterans in our vet-to-vet program CompeerCORPS.

Changing a life is as easy as being a friend.

In the words of a volunteer:

I first volunteered with Compeer in 2009. I was hesitant to join since I was fighting an episode of depression at the time. I have bi-polar and was looking for some way to help others with mental illness. Our friendship helped me though the tough time. I was matched with someone with whom I have much in common. We talk almost daily on the phone and get together almost every week. We do many different activities together, most of them costing us very little. We do crafts, puzzles, watch movies, and sometimes go out to eat or shopping together. Our relationship has grown into a true friendship. We help each other in tough times and celebrate life’s small accomplishments together. We look forward to our time together, and support each other in every way. Volunteering with Compeer not only helps my friend, but has brightened my life as well.

Yvonne S. Compeer Volunteer